Spain secured top spot in Group H and booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uruguay, whose campaign ended with a group-stage exit.
Alex Baena scored the only goal of the match just before halftime, helping Spain finish the group unbeaten with seven points from two wins and a draw. La Roja also ended the group stage without conceding a goal, extending their unbeaten run to 34 matches.
Uruguay, who needed a positive result to keep their hopes alive, finished with just two points and were eliminated alongside Saudi Arabia. Cape Verde also advanced to the Round of 32 after finishing second in the group with three draws.
Spain struggled to break down Uruguay’s disciplined defence for much of the first half before Baena’s effort slipped through goalkeeper Fernando Muslera’s hands and into the net. The goal came while Uruguay’s Manuel Ugarte and Spain’s Lamine Yamal were receiving treatment after colliding moments earlier.
Despite introducing fresh legs after the break, including replacing Muslera at halftime, Uruguay failed to find an equaliser. Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón produced key saves to deny Mathías Olivera and Nicolás de la Cruz, while Ferran Torres struck the crossbar at the other end.
Uruguay’s frustrations deepened in stoppage time when Agustín Canobbio was sent off for a reckless challenge, sealing a disappointing tournament for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who also failed to progress beyond the group stage at the 2022 World Cup.
Speaking after the match, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his players for overcoming another difficult test.
“Today’s game really put us to the test. We’ve played some very demanding matches, and the team always steps up. We played a different kind of game today, and the team stepped up again.”
“We’re very happy because we’ve come through three very tough matches.”
Baena also reflected on his match-winning goal.
“It might be one of the goals that has made me happiest. We knew it was going to be a tough match. They were fighting for their lives, and we were fighting for the top spot. We didn’t show our best form, but we competed very well.”
Bielsa accepted responsibility for Uruguay’s early exit.
“Journalists and fans of Uruguayan football legitimately want to pin the blame on me. I’m the person responsible and I have to accept it.”
Spain’s victory came with injury concerns, however, as Yeremy Pino suffered what appears to be a tournament-ending shoulder injury, while Nico Williams also picked up a muscle problem.
The European champions will face either Austria or Algeria in the Round of 32.
